Wristwatch Chronometers


Book Description

A richly illustrated, detailed account of wristwatch chronometers and the rigorous testing they must undergo to become certified. Over 400 photos document this crowning achievement of the watchmakers art while information about testing methods, procedures, and guidelines make it clear how great a challenge it has been. A compilation of participating makers based on Swiss Testing Agencies' yearly reports from 1925 and the Swiss Observatories' reports is included as is a guide to current values.




Russian Wristwatches


Book Description

Photographs of over 500 watches manufactured in Russia and the USSR during the second half of the 20th century, with explanations of their styles, workings, and manufacturers. Poljot, Wostok, and Slava wristwatches are covered, along with a sampling of pocket watches, deck watches, and marine chronometers. Watch faces commemorate all the great moments of Russian and Soviet history.




The Watch, Thoroughly Revised


Book Description

The Watch is the most popular book on vintage and contemporary mechanical watches, appealing to both beginners and experts. In the decade since it was published, the international audience of watch lovers and watch collectors has grown exponentially. It’s time for The Watch, Thoroughly Revised. For this new edition, the original author, Gene Stone, is joined by Stephen Pulvirent of Hodinkee.com. Together, they have thoroughly revamped the book to reflect the current state of the watch world, with the addition of new brands, new models, and more focused and nuanced coverage of the traditional brand leaders, including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, and TAG Heuer.




A Man & His Watch


Book Description

“I’ve paged through stacks of books on the history of watches. . . . But I hadn’t come across a book that actually moved me until I picked up A Man and His Watch. The volume is filled with heartfelt stories.” —T: The New York Times Style Magazine "There are a bunch of beautifully illustrated watch books out there, but A Man & His Watch by Matt Hranek is more than that. It speaks to the nature of watches as deeply personal items." —Gear Patrol, Coffee Table Books Our Staff Can’t Live Without Paul Newman wore his Rolex Daytona every single day for 35 years until his death in 2008. The iconic timepiece, probably the single most sought-after watch in the world, is now in the possession of his daughter Clea, who wears it every day in his memory. Franklin Roosevelt wore an elegant gold Tiffany watch, gifted to him by a friend on his birthday, to the famous Yalta Conference where he shook the hands of Joseph Stalin and Winston Churchill. JFK’s Omega worn to his presidential inauguration, Ralph Lauren’s watch purchased from Andy Warhol’s personal collection, Sir Edmund Hillary’s Rolex worn during the first-ever summit of Mt. Everest . . . these and many more compose the stories of the world’s most coveted watches captured in A Man and His Watch. Matthew Hranek, a watch collector and NYC men’s style fixture, has traveled the world conducting firsthand interviews and diving into exclusive collections to gather the never-before-told stories of 76 watches, completed with stunning original photography of every single piece. Through these intimate accounts and Hranek’s storytelling, the watches become more than just timepieces and status symbols; they represent historical moments, pioneering achievements, heirlooms, family mementos, gifts of affection, and lifelong friendships.




Wristwatch Handbook The


Book Description

'The Wristwatch Handbook' provides the reader with a comprehensive anatomy of the mechanical wristwatch; every conceivable function and form. It is the foundational text for the novice and the reference book for the seasoned enthusiast. Where other books about watches focus on advising the collector, on a single brand, or on a timeline of key historical figures and events, 'The Wristwatch Handbook' takes a detailed look at mechanical wristwatch complications (functions) and leaves no stone unturned. The reader will gain the ability to identify a complicated watch from twenty paces and perform a top-to-bottom assessment of even the most exotic timepiece in a matter of seconds. Despite the functional obsolescence of the mechanical wristwatch (our phones, computers, even microwaves tell more accurate time), there are more varieties of mechanical watches available than ever before. Today, innovation is no longer exclusively preoccupied with accuracy; pioneer manufacturers are also exploring friction reduction, anti-magnetism, scratch resistance, dial decoration, exotic materials and so on.




Keep Your Wrist Watch Clean and Ticking - A Guide to Wrist Watch Cleaning and Care


Book Description

Contained within this antiquarian volume is a simple, accessible guide to the care and maintenance of wrist watches, with information on cleaning, minor repairs, and more. Written in clear, plain language and complete with step-by-step instructions and helpful illustrations, this text is perfect for those with little previous knowledge, and would make for a great addition to collections of watch-related literature. The chapters of this book include: A History Of Clocks And Watches, Cleaning Watches, and Cleaning A Watch. Many antiquarian books such as this are increasingly hard-to-come-by and expensive, and it is with this in mind that we are republishing this antiquarian book now in an affordable, modern edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on the history of clocks and watches.




The Watch Adjuster's Manual - A Practical Guide for the Watch and Chronometer Adjuster in Making, Springing, Timing and Adjusting for Isochronism, Positions and Temperatures


Book Description

This vintage book contains a complete guide to making, adjusting, springing, timing and adjusting a variety of watches. With simple, clear instructions and many helpful diagrams, this book will be of considerable utility to novice, apprentice, and amateur watch repairers. Contents include: "Suggestions to Workmen", "Preliminary Examination of the Movement", "Magnetism and Magnetized Watches", "The Demagnetization of Watches, Watch Parts, etc.", "Making Balance Springs", "Treatment of Steel for Making Hair Springs", "Making Cylindrical or Helical Springs", "Making Flat Spiral and Breguet Springs", "The Modern American Method of Making Hair Springs", "Watch Balances", "Balance Making", et cetera. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction. First published in 1904.




Hamilton Wristwatches A Reference Guide


Book Description

A guide for Hamilton wristwatch collectors to identify watches made between 1917 and 1969.




Rolex


Book Description

In this virtual catalog of Rolex wristwatches, collectors and buyers will find 3,621 wristwatches in over 14 different model lines: Oyster, Bubbleback, including Chronograph, Submariner, Explorer, and more. Each watch is shown in full color, with the most important technical details as well as reference numbers, and year of manufacture provided. This variety of information is of inestimable worth for the wristwatch collector and buyer. In one place, for example, they can see the typical Oyster from the 1940s and nearly all the case and dial variations that were available. The same applies to all the lines made by Rolex. In short, for everyone who collects Rolex or only wants to acquire a beautiful vintage wristwatch with the "crown," this book an absolute must. An illustrated history of the Rolex waterproof wristwatch is included.




100 Years of Vintage Watches


Book Description

Telling time has never been so stylish. 100 Years of Vintage Watches brings an entire century of classic watch craftsmanship to life with over 1,000 full-color photos. Detailing watches made between 1870 and 1970—the most popular century for watch collectors and aficionados—Dean Judy’s remarkable guide provides information on what and how to collect as well as what to avoid. In addition to large, detailed photos, 100 Years of Vintage Watches offers accurate pricing information, and a description, history, and dating for each of the watches included. Watch collectors will find the before-and-after photos of vintage watch restorations particularly useful, especially when it comes valuing a piece. And who knows, maybe that old watch your grandfather left in his junk drawer is worth thousands. Featuring examples from over 50 watchmakers including renowned Swiss companies like Agassiz, Rolex, Breitling, Cyma, Tissot, and Zodiak as well as American companies like Bulova, Elgin, Hamilton, and Illinois, 100 Years of Vintage Watches is a comprehensive and practical guide to the greatest century of watchmaking in modern history.